#koade | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

i-have-not-slept · 1 year ago

Text

Animalec Fest 2023

September 25: Mating

This is so late but whatever. I'm really happy with how it turned out!

Read the whole thing on Ao3:

@animalecfest @carelessflower @magnus-the-maqnificent

Magnus had thought it would be strange to have a wolf around the castle, but it soon seemed like the most natural thing in the world. His new friend quickly settled into life at the royal court. He followed Magnus everywhere, never more than a few metres from his side. When Magnus held court, the wolf lay at his feet, eyes flicking back and forth across the room like he was scanning for threats. He accompanied Magnus around the castle, when he went out riding, and when he sat to write letters or meet with his councillors.

Of course, some people were initially alarmed at the presence of an enormous wolf in the castle. But the beast was so gentle, and never made a single sign of attacking someone. Magnus had a feeling the only time the wolf would show aggression was if he, Magnus, was threatened. Otherwise, he was impossibly gentle with every single person he encountered.

Before long, even the smallest children weren’t afraid to play with him, scrambling over the wolf’s shaggy body when he was lying down, chasing him and climbing on his back for rides. The wolf was far more patient and tolerant than an ordinary animal would be, which furthered Magnus’s suspicions that there was something not quite normal about him.

In the meantime, the business of the kingdom continued. Magnus still visited Tan Koad every now and then, to check how the search for Alec was going. As always, his wolf accompanied him on these journeys. Oddly enough, he was even more affectionate than usual with the residents of the castle. He would curl up next to Isabelle or Jace as they talked to Magnus, butting his head against their sides and making a nose almost like purring.

Magnus had also noticed a change in the demeanor of Alec’s family. For the first few months after his disappearance, they had been quiet and grief-stricken, the burden of their loss weighing on them. Now, although they couldn’t exactly be called happy, there was a certain acceptance, even reconciliation, as if the grief no longer weighed on them so heavily.

“It’s the strangest thing,” Isabelle said to Magnus on one of his visits, “but I don’t feel worried about Alec anymore. I miss him, of course, but I have this odd sensation that, wherever he is, he’s safe and happy.”

It was strange, but Magnus found himself feeling the same way too. He still thought about Alec a lot, but not with the same anxiety that had plagued him for months. Rather, he thought about him with a distant fondness, like a long-absent lover. And he found himself believing that, somehow, it would all be alright in the end.

It was on another of these visits that Lydia informed Magnus that she’d started seeing John Monteverde, one of the nights from the border region. Magnus could see how much happier she was, and he was happy for her. He didn’t know how the whole situation with Alec would resolve itself, but he was glad that Lydia had found contentment, at least.

“If Alexander ever reappears, I’m going to give him a good long talking-to.” he told his wolf absent-mindedly, as they sat in front of the fire that night. The wolf glanced up at him and thumped his tail, as if he understood, and Magnus laughed and patted him. “Anyone would think you understand me.” He stood up and stretched, yawning. “Time for bed, I think.”

He got into bed, and the wolf lay down in his usual place, stretched along the door. Magnus blinked sleepily at him, then sat up and patted the end of the bed. “Oh, come on. It’s much more comfortable, and you’ll still know if anyone comes in.”

The wolf hesitated a minute, then shook himself decisively and sprang up onto the end of the bed. He curled up, glancing up at Magnus with a look of gratitude in his eyes. After that, he slept on Magnus’s bed every night, a warm and comforting presence that soothed Magnus and allowed him to rest easy.

_________________________________________________

Time passed, and winter became spring. As the days grew warmer, the time for the Spring Council arrived. This was held every year, when the snow had melted from the roads enough to allow for easy travel. It was the time when all the barons and baronesses of the kingdom visited the royal castle to give their reports of the year and discuss plans for the year ahead. Magnus, looking out of his bedroom window, watched as entourage after entourage rode in through the castle gates, turning the courtyard into a riot of colourful livery and flashing armour. He descended the stairs, dressed in the ceremonial robes of the occasion, dyed a deep royal purple. As always, his wolf accompanied him, his tail sweeping back and forth thoughtfully as he paced at Magnus’s side.

“You’d better not get hair all over my robes.” Magnus told him with mock severity, and the wolf glanced up at him with a sound that was almost a snort.

The Great Hall was hung with purple banners, emblazoned with a golden wildcat, Magnus’s personal crest. The barons and baronesses arrived in a steady stream, and Magnus greeted them all as they entered. There were many he was very fond of, and some he was less fond of, but tolerated for political reasons. He smiled as he greeted Baroness Helen of Du Tach, rolled his eyes inwardly at the dour expression of Baron Raphael of Jagu, and laughed at a joke from Baroness Maia of Roparzh. Lydia arrived as well, elegant in a deep blue gown, and he greeted her with a special warmth. She’d brought a whole company with her— not just her new suitor John, but also Jace, Clary, Isabelle and Simon. The latter two left for a brief tour of the castle, while Jace, Clary and Lydia all stepped in to telk to Magnus. For a moment, they formed a little huddle around Magnus, so that he couldn’t clearly see what was happening in the rest of the room. Then, suddenly, a slightly uncomfortable silence fell, and Magnus pushed gently through the crowd to see what was happening.

At the far end of the room, Baronet Sebastian of Stered had just entered the room, causing the uncomfortable hush that had fallen. His black livery, marked with the silver stars of Stered, made his face and hair seem pale as a skull. toSebastian was Clary’s brother, although Magnus knew they had been raised separately and weren’t on good terms. In fact, he was fairly sure Sebastian hadn’t even attended her wedding to Jace.

Sebastian and Clary’s father was Baron Valentine. He had a reputation in the kingdom— a reputation for cold calculation and ruthless punishments that bordered on cruelty. There were rumours— never proven, but persistent— that he tortured prisoners, and even wilder ones that claimed both he and Sebastian practised sorcery. As nothing had even been proven against him, Magnus had been forced to let him retain his barony. But the rumours had created an atmosphere of suspicion against Sebastian, which led to the awkward silence in the room.

There was a second’s pause, and then Sebastian, with a cold look at the silent people around him, stepped forwards to greet the king.

At that moment, the silence was broken by a low, rumbling growl.

The wolf— Magnus’s wolf— was staring at Sebastian, hackles raised. His teeth were bared, and he was growling with a ferocity Magnus had never heard from him, save for that first day when the wolf had saved him from the bear. The growling continued, low and threatening. The wolf’s eyes never left Sebastian.

A look of anger crossed the baron’s pale face and he took another step forward. The wolf’s growl grew in intensity, and he crouched low as if about to spring at Sebastian. The room was silent, all the courtiers uncertain about what to do.

The wolf snapped at Sebastian threateningly, and he took an involuntary step back. “Call off your ridiculous pet.” he snapped angrily. He tried once again to approach Magnus, and the wolf lunged at him, barking furiously.

“My friend!” Magnus cried in shock. He’d never given the wolf a name— it had felt wrong, somehow— but now he wished he had. “Wolf!” He caught the animal by the scruff of the neck, holding him back. The wolf turned and gave him an injured look, before snarling at Sebastian instead. The baron was flushed with anger, eyes glittering furiously. “You need to work on controlling that cur, my lord.” he sneered, and Magnus felt a flash of anger, which he tried to tamp down. The wolf was behaving unreasonably, and Magnus had no idea why.

On his knees with his arms around the wolf’s neck, Magnus glanced around the room. Several of the nobles had their hands hovering uncertainly near the hilts of their swords. Clary, with a hand over her mouth, looked distressed as she watched the conflict between her brother and the wolf.

Sebastian took another step closer to Magnus, and the wolf gave a wild twist that broke him out of Magnus’s hold. He leapt at Sebastian, knocking him to the floor, and planted his paws on the baron’s chest, snarling down at him. There were gasps and screams, and half a dozen courtiers rushed to restrain the wolf. He struggled, not hurting anyone but snapping and snarling at Sebastian, who got to his feet, face crimson with anger.

Magnus rushed to his wolf, laying a hand on his back. “My friend, what on earth’s the matter? Why are you acting like this?”

“The beast’s clearly out of control.” Sebastian spat. “It ought to be destroyed-”

Magnus opened his mouth to form a reply, but before he could speak he felt a light touch on his arm. He looked over and saw Tessa, another of his courtiers and friends. “Your majesty.” she said in her low voice. “All the time this wolf has been at court, he has never shown any sign of anger or violence to anyone. The fact that he has suddenly become so angry at Lord Sebastian is significant. Is it not possible that in the past Sebastian has hurt the wolf in some way, which is now making him react angrily?”

“That’s true.” Catarina murmured, on Magnus’s other side. “It’s equally possible that Sebastian means you some harm now, Magnus, and the wolf is trying to protect you.”

Magnus hesitated a moment. No one else had heard their conversation, and the room was tense, waiting for the king to act.

Magnus came to a decision and snapped his fingers at two of the castle guards. He pointed to Sebastian. “Search him.” he said briefly.

Sebastian struggled and protested loudly, but the guards patted him down, checking for weapons. There was a murmur of shock from the crowd as they pulled out a sharp, heavy dagger from a concealed sheath under his cloak. The murmur grew as the dagger was held up and it became clear there was a dark, sticky substance on the blade.

Catarina stepped forward, examining the substance with the professional eye of a healer. “Poison.” she confirmed briefly, and an angry muttering broke out. “He was definitely trying to kill you, Magnus.” She looked at Sebastian with contempt. “Poison is a coward’s weapon. You ought to be ashamed, you traitor.”

Magnus looked at Sebastian with anger, then turned to his wolf in remorse. “My friend, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you were trying to protect me.”

The wolf wagged his tail, making it clear that Magnus was forgiven.

At that moment, a scream rang through the hall. Everyone swung round, staring, to see Isabelle Lightwood, white as chalk, pointing at Sebastian. He stared back at her, pale with rage and shock.

“Isabelle— what is it?” Magnus said, feeling a bit stunned. She looked towards him, and he was stunned by the rage on her face.

“The night Alec disappeared.” she gasped. “I saw him— Sebastian— creeping away from the castle. I didn’t know it was Sebastian at the time. I’d never seen him before, so I didn’t recognise him. And in all the chaos, I never thought to tell you. But I saw him that night.”

“You’re sure?” Magnus asked.

Isabelle nodded. “It was a full moon, and the light was shining right on his face. I saw him looking down from the battlements, but he ran as soon as he was spotted.” She looked over at Sebastian again, her face contorting in rage. Jace was beside her now, both of them staring down Sebastian. “You know something about why Alec disappeared, don’t you?” Isabelle hissed. She strode over to him, seizing his shoulders and shaking him roughly. “What do you know about my brother?”

It happened so quickly Magnus almost missed it. Sebastian’s eyes flickered, involuntarily, to the wolf at Magnus’s side. It was the briefest flicker of his eyes, but it was enough for Magnus. His mind was suddenly buzzing, slotting the pieces together. The wolf with human-like intelligence. His protectiveness. The way he’d attacked Sebastian. Isabelle had seen Sebastian the night Alec disappeared. And suddenly, he didn’t know why he hadn’t realised it sooner.

Magnus sank to his knees in front of his wolf, looking into his eyes. Hardly daring to believe it, he whispered, “Alexander?”

The wolf nodded.

“Oh.” Magnus gasped. He flung his arms around the wolf— around Alec— tears springing to his eyes. “Oh, Alexander. I had no idea.”

Isabelle gasped in realistion, and then she and Jace were both flinging themselves down beside Alec and throwing their arms around him. Isabelle pressed her cheek against his neck, squeezing her eyes shut. “We’ll find a way to change you back.” she promised.

There were shocked gasps and whispers from the assembled nobles as people gradually grasped the idea that Sebastian had transformed Alec. “I told you he practises sorcery.” someone at the back of the room said.

Magnus glanced around at the assembled guests, all of whom were watching with varying degrees of interest, horror and amazement. This was becoming too intense a drama for public consumption.

He addressed the small ring of people gathered around the scene— Jace, Isabelle, Clary, Simon, Lydia, Catarina and Ragnor. “We should move this somewhere more discreet.” He nodded to the guards holding Sebastian, and they moved to follow him.

Signalling to the castle steward to keep the guests entertained, Magnus headed for one of the private meeting rooms off the main hall. The rest of the group followed him, Alec pacing at Magnus’s side.

Magnus shut the thick curtains that closed off the space and faced Sebastian again, held firmly between his two guards. Anger roiling in his stomach, not just on his own behalf but on Alec’s. “Why?” he asked. “Why transform Alec? Why try to kill me? We were in a room full of people— everyone would have seen you. You’d have been instantly arrested and thrown in prison. Why let yourself be discovered like that?”

“It wasn’t about me.” Sebastian hissed. He was very pale, a look of mania in his face. “It was my father’s idea. Send me it to kill you. Then, in the political chaos after your death, he becomes king.”

“Your father sent you?” Magnus said in incredulity. He should have known— Valentine had always been vocal in his opinion that Magnus was a weak king. Magnus could easily believe he would have a rival murdered to further his own ambitions. Still, it seemed so callous to Magnus that Valentine would sacrifice his son so easily.

Clary had gone white. She pressed a shaking hand to her mouth. “Magnus, I— I am so sorry. I had no idea my father and brother were conspiring against you like this.”

“It’s alright, my dear.” Magnus said gently. “You weren’t to know. I didn’t know.” He turned back to Sebasian, narrowing his eyes. “So why did you transform Alec?” He touched the wolf’s ears protectively. “Why was he in your way?”

Sebastian sneered. “Lightwood was too fond of you. Everyone knew you had feelings for him.” He spat the word contemptuously. “It was disgusting. But he was so devoted to you. He would have been far too suspicious if you’d been murdered. He would have stopped my father from becoming king. So he had to go.”

“So you turned him into a wolf?” Catarina said incredulously. “Seems to me there are easier ways to get rid of someone.”

Sebastian laughed harshly. “I didn’t turn him into a wolf. I just stopped him from turning back.”

There were confused looks from most of the people in the room, but Lydia gasped as if she’d just realised something. The pieces were slowly coming together in Magnus’s head too. He stared at Sebastian, anger roiling in his chest. “Turn Alexander back now.” he ordered.

Sebastian only glowered at him, furiously silent.

Magnus drew his dagger and crossed the room in two strides, pressing the blade against Sebastian’s throat. “Turn him back now.” he hissed, pressing the knife in hard enough to draw blood.

Sebastian’s eyes darted around, and he realised he was defeated. With a muffled curse, he pulled something out of the collar of his tunic. It was a tiny glass wolf on a leather cord, and he flung it to the floor and ground it to dust with his boot heel.

There was a sound like a thunderclap, and Alec reared up with a howl of agony. He raced from the room, darting through the curtains and disappearing.

“Alec!” Magnus cried, but the wolf was gone. Magnus turned to the guards. “Take him to the dungeons.” he ordered, jerking his chin contemptuously at Sebastian. Then he raced after Alec, Cat and Ragnor close on his heels. They ran into the Great Hall, full of people milling around in shock after having seen a huge wolf run through the room. Magnus ran through the castle, mind working furiously, desperate to find Alec.

Suddenly he stood still. He knew where Alec was, knew where he would have gone to feel safe. Magnus spun on his heel and raced in the opposite direction. His heart was thudding by the time he reached the castle’s residential quarters, Catarina and Ragnor panting behind him.

Magnus crept to the door of his chambers and pressed his ear to the wood. He heard nothing but his own pulse, roaring in his ears. He closed his eyes, opened them, whispered a prayer and opened the door.

The sight that met him was like a blow to the chest, sending a wave of pure love through his whole body. The room was quiet and peaceful, soft beams of light coming through the high window. Alec was fast asleep in the King’s bed. The sheets were pulled up around him, his head resting on his arm, his breathing deep and even. He was curled up, sleeping as peacefully and trustingly as anyone could imagine. Beams of light danced across his bare back and revealed the curve of his eyelashes, the shape of his soft mouth.

Magnus went to him instinctively. He stopped beside the bed, and Alec blinked, then rolled over and looked up at him. “Magnus.” he said, simply and trustingly. He said it like there was nothing more to be said, like it was the most natural and beautiful thing in the world for him to wake up and see Magnus.

Magnus was dimly aware of Cat pulling Ragnor out of the room, and closing the door behind them. He was very grateful. Right now, there was nothing he wanted— needed— more than to be alone with Alec.

“Alexander.” he breathed, tears springing to his eyes. “You’re back.” His eyes roved hungrily over Alec, taking in every detail. He looked exactly the same as he had before the transformation, dark messy hair falling into his face, blue eyes staring up at Magnus. Magnus’s heart twisted, and a tear fell from his eye.

Alec blinked up at him. “Don’t cry.” he murmured. His voice was husky from months of unuse, and something about it made Magnus’s stomach flood with heat. He braced himself, not daring to feel anything. Any moment now, Alec would push him away, like he had so many times before. Any moment now Alec would realise that he was naked in the King’s bed, and this interaction far overstepped the bounds of propriety. Any moment now the old look of fear and shame would come into his eyes and he would flinch away.

The flinch didn’t come. Alec continued to look up at him with a look of total, utter, undisguised adoration. “Magnus.” he whispered again, and it hit Magnus with a jolt that Alec was no longer calling him my lord. He was using his name, as Magnus had asked him to the last time they had spoken. And he saw the look in Alec’s eyes, no longer afraid, but loving and devoted and— and wanting.

Magnus almost fell across Alec, throwing himself at him and kissing him with all the love and relief and passion he felt. Alec pulled Magnus down on top of him without a second’s hesitation, kissing him back with an enthusiasm that stunned Magnus.

He clasped Alec’s face in his hands and pressed kisses all over it, half laughing and half crying. He dropped kisses on Alec’s eyelids, his cheeks, his nose, his forehead, his chin. He scattered a flurry of kisses of Alec’s hands, clasped within his own. Alec’s laughter turned to a low gasp as Magnus kissed wildly down his neck. He reached Alec’s chest, kissing back and forth along it in a zigzag. Alec’s breathing turned low and ragged as Magnus kissed down his chest, then his stomach. He began to pant, wild and desperate, as Magnus folded the sheet back and kissed down to Alec’s navel, then lower still. He felt Alec surge under him, the thin sheet no barrier and yet far too much of a barrier.

Magnus pulled away suddenly and scrambled off the bed. Ignoring Alec’s moan of protest, he stumbled to the door, opening it just enough that no one outside could see in.

Several wide-eyed servants blinked back at him, evidently alarmed by the noises coming from the room “My lord, is everything alright?” one asked.

“Everything’s fine.” Magnus assured him. He was painfully aware of how he must look, lips red and tender from kissing, clothes dishevelled and with a wild look in his eyes. “But no one— I mean no one, understand?— is to come into this room until I leave it. If anyone disturbs us, I’ll— I’ll— well, we had just better not be disturbed, alright?”

The servants all nodded, looking extremely alarmed.

“Good.” Magnus said breathlessly. He slammed the door. Almost before it was fully closed, Alec— for he had evidently come up behind Magnus as he was speaking— seized Magnus around the waist and spun around, half lifting him onto the bed. Magnus laughed in sheer delight, pulling Alec down with him. The knight didn’t seem at all self-conscious about being naked in the presence of the king. He slumped against the bedstead, reaching for Mgnaus and pulling him into his lap. He undid Magnus’s velvet cloak, waiting for his nod of confirmation before tossing it aside. He kissed Magnus’s bared throat, dragging his teeth across Magnus’s pulse point and making him shiver with desire.

“Wait.” Magnus gasped out. It was an effort to say— he wanted Alec desperately, wanted him now— but he felt that he needed answers first. “How did you— what happened to turn you into a wolf?”

Alec hesitated a moment, then seemed to resolve himself. “I’m a werewolf.” he said simply, and Magnus stared. “I was cursed— apparently it’s something that affects the ruler of Tan Koad every ten generations or so. It only came into effect after I took over the castle five years ago. Every month, I’d turn into a wolf for three nights.”

“That’s why you were gone every month.” Magnus murmured, understanding.

Alec nodded. “I used to go and hide in the forest— I didn’t want anyone to know. Then, after the last time we spoke, Sebastian put an enchantment on me that prevented me from turning back into a human. I was so scared— I hid in the forest for weeks, not knowing what to do. Then I saw you when you were out hunting, and I—” He flushed slightly. “I missed you so much. I just had to get close, see if you were okay. I didn’t mean for you to see me—”

“But I did.” Magnus finished.

Alec nodded. “I ran and hid. Then, when that bear attacked you…”

“You saved me.” Magnus breathed. “It was the bravest thing I’ve ever seen.”

Alec ducked his head, embarrassed but clearly pleased. “It wasn’t, really. I didn’t even think. I just saw that you were in danger, and it was like— like my instincts activated.” He flushed and glanced down.

“And the rest is history, I suppose.” Magnus murmured.

Alec glanced up at him, eyes hooded. “When you brought me back to the castle,” he said huskily, “that was when I realised that I— I’d loved you for years. And I couldn’t even tell you.”

“You can tell me now.” Magnus whispered.

Alec gave a soft gasping laugh and put his hand to Magnus’s cheek. His thumb brushed under Magnus’s eye. “Magnus.” he said softly. “My lord, my king, my soul. I love you.”

His other hand came to cup Magnus’s face, stroking his cheeks gently. “Not as a knight loves the lord he serves. I love you as a lover. I love you as if you were my husband.” His face flushed, but he didn’t drop his gaze from Magnus's.

“Oh.” Magnus said, feeling such a rush of emotions he could barely begin to understand them. He twined his arms around Alec’s shoulders, feeling the deep thrum of his heartbeat. “I missed you so much.”

Alec pulled Magnus’s hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss to his palm. “I was here all along, my heart. Sleeping beside you, night after night. Loving you.” His mouth traced the lines of Magnus’s hand, kissing along the life line, the love line. “Wanting to protect you.” He kissed the crease at the edge of his hand, and Magnus remembered, dimly, that that part of the hand was called the marriage line. His mouth opened on a silent breath, not quite a moan. His heart was thudding wildly, and the movement of Alec’s lips wasn’t helping. He kissed up Magnus’s inner wrist and arm, sliding up his sleeve to bare the skin. Magnus breathed out sharply and clutched at Alec’s back. “Alec— my Alexander—”

“Yours forever.” Alec murmured. His fingers traced over the buttons of Magnus’s tunic, eyes looking into his intently. “Can I— may I take this off?”

“Yes.” Magnus breathed. “Take it off me.”

Alec’s fingers trembled as he undid the buttons and slid the tunic from Magnus’s shoulders, tossing it aside. Magnus kissed him, deeply, and he felt Alec buck underneath him. He pulled back, and Magnus could see the gleam of wolfishness still lingering in Alec’s eyes, in the curve of his mouth. He was panting hotly, hands roving over Magnus everywhere he could touch.

“Take it all off.” Magnus gasped, and Alec gave a wolfish snarl as he ripped off his shirt like it was paper. He pulled Magnus against him, bare chest against bare chest, and Magnus could feel his tension, his devotion. Magnus was panting, and Alec was ripping at his remaining clothes until they were gone, leaving them bare as animals mating in the forest.

Magnus swung himself off Alec for a moment, scrambling to the edge of the bed and fumbling in the small cabinet against the wall. His cheeks warmed slightly as his hand closed around the ornate oil bottle. Magnus hadn’t used it in many months— it had been a long time since he’d had a lover in his bed. He fully intended to make up for lost time now.

He crawled back to Alec, settling into his lap and giving him a passionate kiss. Alec gave a low groan against his mouth, pulling away to stare at the bottle in Magnus’s hand. “Is that— is that for—” He was red to the tips of his eyes, gesturing erratically to the bottle, then to Magnus.

“It is indeed.” Magnus purred. He pressed his palm to Alec’s cheek, turning his face to look at him. “Do you want this?”

Alec nodded wildly, tongue darting out to wet his lips in an action Magnus found mesmerising. “Yes.” he breathed. “Yes, Magnus, I want you so much.” His hands slid down Magnus’s back, holding him close.

Magnus smiled and opened the bottle. “Hold out your hand.” he instructed.

Alec’s eyes widened, huge and dark as he offered his hand. Magnus poured some of the oil over his hand, watching in fascination as it dripped down his wrist. He knelt over Alec’s lap and guided his hand to slide between his legs, murmuring guidance to him until Alec found his entrance and slowly slid a finger inside. They both gasped softly at the sensation. Alec’s lips were parted, watching Magnus in utter fascination as he gently added a second finger. He buried his burning face in Magnus’s neck, starting to move in a tentative exploring motion.

Magnus gasped, rolling his hips to the rhythm of Alec’s fingers. He’d never felt sensation like this before, love and adoration mixed with pure arousal. Alec’s fingers were big, warm and calloused, stirring the most delicious sensations from Magnus’s belly. Alec added more oil, and Magnus threw his head back, moaning at the slick slide. He felt so ready, more than he ever had in his life.

Alec was stroking himself with his free hand, cheeks flushed. He pulled his fingers free, and Magnus knelt over his cock, heart thrumming. He pulled Alec in and kissed him passionately, lips sliding along his cheek.

“My brave protector.” he breathed in his ear. They kissed again and again, wild and frenzied, until Magnus gasped out, “Now.” and Alec nodded.

Magnus lowered himself slowly, trembling, until he felt the first slide of Alec into him. They both gasped, and Magnus lowered his head, trembling, until his forehead rested against Alec’s shoulder.

“Magnus—” Alec choked out, hands shaking against his back.

“I’m here, my knight.” Magnus breathed. His legs trembled and he held onto Alec to steady himself. He gripped Alec’s back, bearing down steadily until Alec was fully inside of him, their bodies fitting together as perfectly as a sword fits into a sheath. Magnus cried out aloud, warmth spreading through his chest and stomach. He could feel every pulse and throb of Alec inside him, every tiny movement of his body under Magnus’s.

He began to move, unable to stay still. Alec’s head went back, lips parting on a silent moan at the slick, hot drag of their bodies. He gripped Magnus’s thighs, helping him move, finding a rhythm. Magnus pressed his forehead against Alec’s as he rolled his hips, breathing him in, looking into his eyes as they moved together.

“Never going to leave you again.” Alec gasped. His hands tightened on Magnus’s hips, holding him still for a moment as Alec kissed along his neck.

“Never going to let you go again.” Magnus murmured in return. “Not now I’ve found you.” He rose and sank down again, legs trembling, and they both moaned. Alec was pressing against a spot deep inside him that made warm, liquid pleasure spill through Magnus’s body. He rocked himself faster, gasping and calling Alec’s name, clutching at him. Alec looked utterly wrecked, hair mussed, cheeks flushed and mouth wet and inviting. He dropped his head to lick around one of Magnus’s peaked nipples, and Magnus cried out in sheer arousal. He was close, his entire body shaking as he rose and fell over Alec.

“Love you,” Magnus gasped. He was trembling uncontrollably all over, feeling Alec’s thrusts into him becoming erratic as he neared his climax. “Loved you since the day I met you— always— oh, Alec, Alec—“ He couldn’t speak, dropping his head back as his pleasure mounted, moving faster and faster. He felt Alec’s hands start to shake on his hips, felt the exact moment he tipped over the edge with a stuttering cry of Magnus’s name.

Magnus couldn’t help but follow. The pleasure inside him broke, rolling over him in waves, and Magnus cried out as he fell into the arms of his knight, his wolf, his lover.

He pressed his forehead to Alec’s shoulder, both of them trembling as the aftershocks washed over them. Magnus kissed Alec’s neck, tasting the salt on his skin.

They stayed like that for a long time as their breathing settled. Then Magnus felt Alec laugh and run a hand through his hair. Magnus pulled back to look at him. Alec was hazy and flushed from his release, and the look in his eyes as he gazed at Magnus was enough to make him feel weak all over again.

“Magnus.” Alec murmured. He put a hand against Magnus’s cheek, storing his thumb under Magnus’s eye. He kissed the corner of his mouth, soft and tentative, and Magnus’s heart broke with love. He slumped against Alec’s chest again, breathing him in, mouthing at the warm skin.

He sat there in Alec’s lap, feeling sticky and sweaty and utterly content as Alec stroked his back. Eventually he spoke. “I think there’s a few things I need to do.”

“Oh?” Magnus asked, sitting back to look at him. “What are those?”

“I need to see my family.” Alec murmured.

Magnus hummed in agreement. “You do.”

“And Lydia and I need to officially get divorced.”

Magnus grinned. “I’ve never been so happy to hear about a divorce arrangement.” He leaned his cheek on Alec’s shoulder, toying with his hair. “And then…. are you going to move in here with me?” He glanced up at Alec, suddenly unsure of his answer, worried that a shadow of Alec’s old fear might return.

“If you’ll have me.” Alec whispered. “If you want to…”

He looked down at Magnus, and Magnus could see his own uncertainty reflected suddenly in Alec’s eyes. “Oh, my darling boy.” he breathed. “My knight, my protector. Of course I want you. I want you beside me for all time, wherever I go.”

Alec’s eyes lit up. “I can do that.” He caught Magnus’s hand in both of his own, squeezing it and kissing his knuckles. Magnus pulled his head up and kissed Alec gently, tilting his chin up and sliding his hands into the knight’s thick hair.

In a little while, Magnus reflected, they’d have to leave this room and rejoin a castle rocked by scandal and betrayal. Magnus would have to sort out this whole tedious business with Valentine, and he was sure Alec would want to see his siblings, who were no doubt waiting anxiously to see that he was alright.

But all that could wait just a few minutes. Here, in the bed they now shared as lovers, he could afford to enjoy Alec’s company a little longer, before the world demanded their time again.

Alec kissed his forehead. “What are you thinking about, my love?”

“Just that I’m glad you’re back.” Magnus said

Alec’s face softened. “I was here all along.” he murmured. “And I meant what I said before. I’m never leaving you again, Magnus. Whatever happens, I’ll be right here with you.”

“I wouldn’t want it any other way.” Magnus breathed, and pulled Alec down into another kiss.

#animalec fest 2023 #animalec fest #malec #magnus bane #alec lightwood #malec fanfic #tsc #the shadowhunter chronicles #shadowhunters #cassandra clare #tsc fanfic

13 notes · View notes

i-have-not-slept · 1 year ago

Text

Animalec Fest

September 23: Lost

@animalecfest

This chapter is the first of a three-part series covering the prompts Lost, Sacrifice and Mating. These chapters were inspired by the twelfth-century Breton poem "Bisclavaret" by Marie de France, also known as "the Lay of The Were-Wolf". You can read a translation of the original story here:

🐺⚔️👑🐺⚔️👑🐺⚔️👑🐺⚔️👑🐺⚔️👑🐺⚔️👑

It was a clear, crisp autumn morning on the day that Magnus rode out from his castle, the air cool on his face. Avorig, the land of his kingdom, was beautiful to him at any time, but particularly so at this time of year, with the leaves just turning golden on the trees and the first hint of winter cold in the air. He drew rein as he came to the top of a hill and smiled as he saw his destination spread before him. Tan Koad Castle, one of the ancestral seats of the Avorig barons, and home to one of Magnus’s very favourite people.

He rode down the valley slopes to the castle, his horse’s hooves clattering on the cobblestone as he rode through the gates. There was already someone waiting for him in the castle courtyard, and Magnus smiled softly as he recognised the tall figure.

Alec came up to him, holding the horse’s reins so Magnus could dismount. “Welcome, my lord. We didn’t expect you for another hour at least.”

“I have a fast horse.” Magnus said. “And I brought no entourage, as you can see.” He waved his hand towards the empty gate of the castle.

A slight frown touched Alec’s face. “My lord, you shouldn’t be travelling alone.”

“I’m not alone now, am I?” Magnus murmured. “I’m with you.” He let his hand brush Alec’s arm lightly, and the knight looked away quickly, signalling for a stablehand to take Magnus’s horse.

As Alec opened the door of the castle, Magnus put his head on one side, considering him. Alexander Lightwood, baron of the Tan Koad region since his father had died five years before. One of Magnus’s most loyal knights, who had guarded this harsh border country so well that Magnus had never heard a single complaint from any of Alec’s people. A man who seemed to have everything, at least on the surface.

And yet, he had secrets. There was something Alec was hiding, something Magnus couldn’t guess at. There was the way Alec looked at Magnus, of course. He’d known that for years, had spent many sleepless nights lying awake consumed by the thought of Alec’s eyes, his lips, his hands. He’d seen Alec’s blushes, his gazes that lingered on Magnus a second too long before pulling away. All this Magnus knew.

But there was something else as well, an even larger secret Alec was hiding. Magnus sensed it instinctively. He didn’t know what it was, but he had never pushed Alec to reveal all the sides of himself that he kept hidden.

“I would like to ride with you, Alexander, once my horse is rested.” Magnus said. “Somewhere private, where we can discuss affairs. Of the barony, that is.”

Alec stiffened slightly, his back straightening. “Of course. Affairs of the barony.” There was the faintest flush in his cheeks, which Magnus ignored. “If you’ll give me a minute to change into my riding clothes?”

May I watch? Magnus wanted to say, but stopped himself just in time. He merely nodded, and Alec backed away, then turned quickly and headed up one of the winding stone staircases into the tower.

Magnus gave a little sigh and sat down on one of the plush couches that stood in the entrance room. A moment later, there was a noise of footsteps behind him and he turned to see Alec’s sister, Lady Isabelle and someone else that Magnus was very fond of.

“My lord.” Isabelle said, raising her eyebrows. She didn’t seem at all surprised to find the king waiting in her castle. She dropped a perfunctory curtsey— Isabelle had never shown much respect for royalty, which Magnus secretly admired her for— and sat down opposite him, smoothing out the skirt of her red velvet gown.

“It’s a pleasure to have you, as always.” She raised her eyebrows knowingly at him. “I do hope my brother isn’t boring you too much.”

Magnus leaned back, smiling at her. “Not to worry, my lady. I’ve never found Alexander boring.”

Isabelle smiled in return. She stood and crossed over to the far wall, where there were a number of wine kegs stacked up for the winter. She poured them both a drink and returned to the couches, handing Magnus one of the goblets. He took an appreciative sip of the wine, feeling the warmth spread through his chest and looked back at Isabelle. She was resting her chin on her hand, gazing at him thoughtfully.

“You should visit more often, my lord.” she said, although Magnus already visited Tan Koad more frequently than any of the kingdom’s other baronies. “It breaks the monotony. And Alec’s always so happy to see you.”

“Really?” Magnus said, with exaggerated surprise. “I had the impression that Alexander couldn’t wait for me to leave.”

Isabelle laughed, then became more serious. “Really, Magnus. It’s good for him, getting to see you. It’s just about the one happiness he ever gets.”

Magnus opened his mouth to say something else, but at that moment Alec came into the entrance hall, dressed in his riding gear. His eyes swept over Magnus and Isabelle. Magnus wondered if he’d heard anything of their conversation. He didn’t think so, but he couldn’t be sure.

“Alas, my lady, I must take your leave.” Magnus said, with a dramatic bow. Isabelle smiled and swept past him with a wink. “Have fun, my lord.”

The forest was golden and red, leaves clustering around them like a bright tapestry, shot through with dark tree trunks. Magnus rode close to Alec, their knees nearly touching on the narrow forest trail. Alec was telling Magnus everything that had happened since his last visit— a couple of border raids, a storm that destroyed three fields— but Magnus wasn’t really listening. He was distracted by the low soothing hum of Alec’s voice, how the moisture-laden air made the hair at the back of his neck curl damply. He kept thinking about what Isabelle had said

Alec seemed to realise he wasn’t listening and tailed off mid-sentence. “Is everything alright, your majesty?”

“How’s your wife?” Magnus asked abruptly.

Alec flinched, very slightly. “She’s fine.”

“It must be hard for her,” Magnus said conversationally, “when meeting with the king takes up so much of her husband’s time.”

He didn’t know why he goaded Alec like this, except maybe he preferred seeing Alec angry rather than miserable. If he was angry at Magnus, at least Magnus knew he felt something towards him, rather than just apathy.

Alec’s hands tightened briefly on the reins, but his face remained blank. “Lydia and I both know our duty to the kingdom. If the king needs to speak to me, I am there.”

Ah, yes. Baroness Lydia Lightwood, formerly Branwell. For a long time, Magnus had wanted to hate her, but found that he couldn’t. She was gracious, clever and politically capable, and it wasn’t her fault she happened to be married to the man Magnus adored. For years he’d watched them dance around each other, caught in the awkwardness of a political marriage that they were desperately trying to make work, despite being completely unsuited as a couple.

He remembered their wedding, not long before Alec’s parents died. Magnus himself, as the King, had been the one to perform the ceremony. He hadn’t known Alec well at the time, and had wondered why the young man looked so pale and agitated at the altar. Then, as he had got to know Alec better, and seen the way his eyes lingered on Magnus, he’d begun to suspect why. But by then it had been too late to do anything about it.

Magnus wondered, sometimes, if he’d been cursed at birth, doomed to live a life of luxury as the King, with everything he could want except the one person he wanted more than anything.

“I recently increased the garrison patrols on the kingdom’s borders.” Alec was saying, and Magnus realised he’d been letting his mind wander.

“Is that right?” he replied. “How far are we from the border now?”

“About an hour’s ride.” Alec said. He seemed more relaxed now that the conversation had shifted back to matters of military strategy.

“So we’re unlikely to see anyone where we are now.” Magnus said. “After all, this is a very remote part of the kingdom, isn’t it? How far away is the nearest settlement from here?”

“At least a mile.” Alec replied. He was staring pointedly at the path in front of them, not meeting Magnus’s eyes.

“So we’re completely alone.” Magnus said. He nudged his horse a fraction closer, so his knee just brushed Alec’s. Alec stiffened very slightly but kept his eyes straight ahead. “If you say so, my lord.” he replied noncommittally.

Magnus waited, hoping, but there was no other response from Alec. Disappointed, he allowed his shoulders to slump slightly.

“Is there anything else you wished to discuss, my lord?” Alec asked.

Magnus stared out at the expanse of the forest, full of whispering leaves and softly moving shadows. “Do you love me, Alexander?”

He thought he heard a sound like a pained gasp, like Alec had been struck, but when Magnus swung back to look at him he was perfectly composed, except for the faintest flush along his cheekbones. “Of course I love you.” Alec said evenly. “You are my king. I swore an oath to serve you and protect you, and lay down my life for you if necessary. I love you as all your knights love you, no less and— and no more.” He swallowed thickly, his eyes still fixed on the trees around them.

“Is that true, my Alexander?” Magnus asked, his voice low and seeking.

Alec’s eyes darted to him for just a fraction of a second, the blush in his cheeks deepening. Then his gaze dropped and he seemed to withdraw in on himself like a crab drawing into its shell. “Yes, my lord.” he said, in a very tight, controlled voice.

Magnus looked away. For a long time, there was silence, broken only by the soft thudding of their horses’ hooves and the jangling of the bits. There was a deep ache in Magnus’s chest, like the pain of a wound, or the pain of something missing from him.

“Is there anything else, my lord?” Alec asked finally.

Magnus’s voice was heavy as he replied. “No, Alexander.” He turned his horse back towards the castle and Alec followed him a second later. They rode the rest of the way in silence, Magnus staring fixedly at the woods around them, but never at Alec’s face. The ache in his chest grew worse with every beat of his heart, weighing on him like a stone.

Back at the castle, Alec swung down from his horse, but Magnus stayed in the saddle. Alec looked up at him in surprise. “Your majesty, aren’t you— aren’t you going to stay longer?”

“No.” Magnus said quietly, staring out at the forest. “No, I don’t have anything more to discuss with you at present. I’ll be back before too long, Alexander. Look after my people for me.”

Alec exhaled raggedly. “My lord—”

“I would much prefer,” Magnus said softly, “if you just called me Magnus.”

Alec’s eyes darted around, the colour coming back into his cheeks. “No.” he said thickly. “No, you’re the king. That wouldn’t be— right.”

Magnus looked down at him. “Why are you trying to tell me what’s right, Alexander?” he asked gently.

Alec’s flush deepened and his eyes dropped. His mouth opened, then closed again abruptly.

“Look after yourself, Alec.” Magnus murmured. He wheeled his horse around, galloping away from the castle. He didn’t look back at Alec, standing alone under the dark battlements.

Later, he would wish he had.

_______________________________________________

It was more than two weeks before Magnus got another chance to ride to Tan Koad and see Alec. This time, as he rode into the courtyard, he could see instantly that something was wrong. There was none of the cheerful busyness that was usually found in a castle. Guards and servants were hurrying around in every direction, talking together in little huddles or doing their usual tasks with an air of barely controlled panic. The whole scene was one of fearful agitation. Such was the chaos that it was nearly a full minute before anyone noticed that the King was in their midst.

Isabelle came hurrying out of the central tower and ran to Magnus. There was none of the casual, cheerful attitude she’d had the last time Magnus was here. She looked like she was fighting back tears.

“What is it?” Magnus asked in alarm, though a suspicion was already creeping at the back of his mind.

“It’s Alec.” Isabelle whispered. She gulped back tears, wiping her face hurriedly. “He’s vanished, Magnus. Last night, when everyone was asleep. We can’t find him anywhere. He’s gone.”

#malec #magnus bane #alec lightwood #tsc #shadowhunters #cassandra clare #the shadowhunter chronicles #animalec fest 2023 #isabelle lightwood vibes #lydia branwell #don't worry guys malec is endgame #i had so much fun researching medieval courtly traditions for this fic #and setting it in medieval brittany was so interesting #trying to work in little details of language and culture #malec fanfic #bisclavret #marie de france

8 notes · View notes